Note there will also be a seating allocation system for those wanting specific seats allocated prior to concerts. Allocated seats should be requested well prior to the concert. Click on following picture for further information on this option.

Saturday 30th March – Concert – Hot Diggity

Hot Diggity are the only all female bluegrass band in New Zealand. They perform in the bluegrass tradition, vintage style. They play original songs by Heather Carrigan (mandolin, guitar and vocals) and Deborah Mackenzie (guitar and vocals) along with plenty of bluegrass favourites. The lineup also includes Jenine Abarbanel (bass and vocals), Sue Drake (banjo and vocals) and Krissy Jackson (fiddle and vocals). They put out a powerful, lively sound with hot instrumentation and tight harmonies.

Hot Diggity were formed in 2014. All five members are veteran musicians, having played for years with numerous other bands and in a variety of musical styles. Heather comes from a musical family and since childhood has been active in the country music scene. In her 20s she discovered bluegrass and truly fell in love. She has played with bands in Australia and the United States and now lives in Dargaville. Hot Diggity is her brainchild and she does most of the heavy lifting, musically speaking. She writes powerful songs for and about women, a rarity in the bluegrass world. At the same time her music is fully steeped in the classical bluegrass tradition and sounds like it could have been written in the golden age of bluegrass. Deborah has always loved to sing. Growing up in the Salvation Army gave her a great introduction to music and harmony. Previously Deborah sang in a three part harmony trio in Auckland called the Wendy Lus. In 2010 she released an album of originals “The Ride” with Peter Neumegen. Deborah also plays in an acoustic group called Rainberry Pie who explore many acoustic styles, from alt-country to western swing. She is a singer songwriter who enjoys her guitar, but LOVES to sing. She takes pleasure in writing songs particularly about themes that resonate with other women. Living in the tiny seaside village of Leigh, Jenine came to music later in life, learning to play the stand-up bass in 2006 so she could jam with her bluegrass playing family. A singer since childhood, what she lacks in talent and skill she makes up for with energy and chutzpah. Sue lives in Whangarei and is a “camper from way back”. Active and athletic, she brings energy and dedication to her playing. Sue has played guitar for decades in a number of bands, in both the rock and country genres. In 2012 she picked up the five string banjo and bluegrass music, as she says “to keep life interesting”. Indeed that is what it is all about! From New Plymouth, Krissy has been playing violin since the age of two and is proficient in numerous genres of music. Hot Diggity is her first bluegrass band and she enjoys the challenges and new techniques which this presents. In 2017 Krissy released her solo debut album “Have Fiddle, Will Travel”, with tracks featuring all of her various musical partners, including one titled “Ghost Railway” by Hot Diggity.

Devoted to the bluegrass tradition and the time period of it’s birth, the Hot Diggity ladies only perform whilst kitted out in the finest 40s and 50s vintage style attire.

Check out their signature song “Rocky Road Blues,” written by the father of Bluegrass music himself, Bill Monroe:

Krissy Jackson is a classically trained violinist who discovered fiddle music at the age of 14. Now her diverse style of fiddling is a reflection of her many musical passions. Touring extensively around NZ and Australia, Krissy is a sought after musician for her ability to slot into any style. In 2017 she sought to hone her craft with an extensive tour through Ireland, Boston, San Fransisco, Germany, Cape Breton and Prince Edward Island – studying many styles and genres from teachers around the world.

Going beyond a ‘traditional’ fiddle workshop where you often learn the tune devoid of technique, in this workshop Krissy will cover:
+ some of the essential bowing techniques to create better tone
+ fiddle back-up – the ‘chop’, double stops, counterpoint in the spaces of the melody
+ improvisation – variations on a theme
+ likely a new tune or three

The workshop will be available for any string player with an emphasis on the fiddle, so cellists and viola players would be most welcome.

An intermediate level of playing would be beneficial as would the ability to pick up a tune by ear.

Free entry to the jam sessions – all welcome$30 per person for the banjo workshop – bookings required
Please email bluegrass(at)xtra.co.nz to register your interest in this workshop

This is a new venture for the WBS, having come together after years in the making. Over the years the WBS has organised Old-time banjo camps, then Old-time music camps and many Old-time instrument and workshops as well as various Bluegrass sessions. There has been a calling for an Old-time and Bluegrass jam sessions

I hope you all will embrace this opportunity so the jam sessions can flourish.

A new venture! in conjunction with the jam session:banjo workshop, for absolute beginners!

In response to requests from some of you, there will be a banjo workshop, for absolute beginners. Running in parallel to the jam session, at the same venue, this will cater for anyone who has either just picked up a banjo, through to getting you up to jamming with others.